DANA builds R&D, manufacturing headquarters in Wuxi

US-based auto parts maker DANA signs a cooperation agreement with Xishan district government on Feb 14. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]

US-based auto parts maker DANA has decided to build its Asia-Pacific vehicle core systems and components research and manufacturing headquarters in Xishan district, Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province.

The news was released at a signing ceremony held in Xishan on Feb 14.

The headquarters is expected to bring in new businesses such as new energy to DANA and contribute to the development of a technological center with end-to-end R&D capabilities.

It will develop and manufacture products including fuel cells, gearboxes, vehicle axles, and thermal management products related to automotive power technology.

The project will become a core base of DANA in Asia-Pacific with a focus on R&D, manufacturing, procurement, supply chain management, sales, delivery and after-sale services.

Antonio Valencia, president of Power Technologies and Global Electrification of DANA, delivers a speech at the signing ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]

Wuxi's development plan is almost identical to the development strategy of DANA and that is why the enterprise chose the city, said Antonio Valencia, president of Power Technologies and Global Electrification of DANA, via video at the signing ceremony.

As one of the largest auto parts manufacturers in the world, DANA is an important supplier of many world-renowned auto makers and is currently setting its sights on electrification and zero emissions.

The new energy and auto and auto parts (including new energy vehicles) industries are Wuxi's competitive industries. Last year, the city generated 149.08 billion yuan ($21.84 billion) in output in the new energy industry and 206.63 billion yuan in output in the auto and auto parts (including new energy vehicles) industry.

In recent years, Xishan has focused on the construction of an auto and auto parts industrial chain integrating R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services, and has gathered a number of leading enterprises, including Valeo.